What
are the benefits of braces? Besides improving
one's appearance and enhancing one's
self esteem, braces help to overcome
brushing, speech and/or chewing difficulties.
Poorly aligned teeth are difficult
to keep clean and often give rise
to gum problems and decay.
When
is the best time to start braces? You can start braces
treatment after all the primary (or milk)
teeth have changed to permanent ones.
Adults can also benefit from braces treatment,
not just children.
What can I expect during my first consultation? Our orthodontist
will first examine the general condition
of your gums, teeth and jaws. Essential
information such as costs, types and estimated
duration of treatment will also be explained
by the orthodontist. With the consent
of the patient, X-rays will be taken for
a more detailed diagnosis.
How
different will life be with braces?
Many people are concerned about the pain
and attention brought about by wearing
braces. Do expect some discomfort in the
initial 1-2 weeks (although individual
experience varies from minimal to moderate
levels of aching, discomfort or inability
to bite) but subsequently you should be
able to eat almost as per normal. Do expect
some discomfort after each subsequent
adjustment. We do advise patients to go
on an initial soft diet e.g. porridge,
soup. What is the likelihood of a relapse
after braces treatment?
The likelihood of a relapse depends on
the severity of the initial problem or
malocclusion. The greater the severity,
the greater the relapse tendency. That
is why retainers are made after the braces
are removed so as to hold the teeth in
their new position. The use of retainers
after braces will help prevent a relapse
especially for the first two years after
completing treatment. However, as teeth
do move throughout life, we do advise
our patients to continue their retainer
wear at nights for life or for as long
as they want to maintain their results.
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Wisdom
Teeth Removal
Why is
it recommended to remove wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth,
also known as third molars, usually
erupt during late teenage years to young
adulthood. Most people have four wisdom
teeth with the exception of some. Partially
erupted wisdom teeth tend to cause food
trap resulting in decay and sometimes
affecting the tooth next to it. Sometimes
the gums around it get infected as it
traps food and becomes impossible to
clean. Such infections become serious
over time
Must
it be a surgery? The upper wisdom
teeth can usually be removed by extraction.
Wisdom teeth that require surgical procedures
are those that erupt in an awkward angle
because of insufficient space in the
jaw (usually the lower).
Can I
pay using Medisave? Yes, our dental
centre is Medisave accredited hence
usage of Medisave funds is allowed for
surgical dental procedures.
What
can I expect after a surgery?
Wisdom teeth removal usually takes about
30 minutes to an hour. Medication including
painkillers, antibiotics and antiseptic
mouth rinse will be prescribed to the
patient. Pain and swelling at the surgery
site is to be expected over the next few
days hence it is advisable to rest at
home and refrain from any strenuous activities.
Are
there any risks that I need to know
about?
The other risks patients have to go
consider is the possible injury to nerves
that give sensation to the teeth and
lip and the tongue. Our surgeons are
all trained to look for such pitfalls
and will advice accordingly. Depending
on the position of the wisdom tooth,
damage to the neighbouring teeth needs
to be considered too.
